Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo has been included in Forbes 30-under-30 list for sport despite relinquishing his crown to Ireland's Conor McGregor in 13 seconds last month at UFC 194.

The 27-year-old Crumlin fighter is omitted from the list, which has included UFC stars like Ronda Rousey and Jon Jones in the past, despite a sensational 2015 which saw him defeat Denis Siver, Chad Mendes and Aldo on the way to becoming the most marketable name in Mixed Martial Arts.

The panel of judges who compiled the list included New York Knicks player Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and Boston Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs.

Explaining the reasoning behind their decision, Forbes wrote: “Even with his UFC 194 loss, Aldo would still make any comprehensive list of great UFC fighters.

“He was the defending featherweight UFC champion and was ranked No. 1 in official UFC pound-for-pound rankings. He also went a decade without losing a match since 2005 and reigned as a world champion for six years.”

Reflecting on the award on Instagram, Aldo wrote: “I’ve never even thought of being in a Forbes list. This is why I’m so grateful and humbled for being selected as one of the most important people in the world under the age of 30.

A photo posted by josealdojunioroficial (@josealdojunioroficial) on Jan 4, 2016 at 6:40pm PST

“Being the only Brazilian on the list and to share this honour with other top notch athletes, like Steph Curry and Russell Wilson, feels amazing. I’m so glad that my career and my life story has inspired people not only in Brazil but in the whole world. I thank you for the support and I’m sure this is a good omen, because 2016 will be a year of glory and happiness. Let’s go!”